Raptors, Clippers Discussing Kawhi Leonard Trade
The Toronto Raptors continue to wait for Kawhi Leonard as an NBA investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers' salary cap practices expands. New reports suggest Leonard had a second deal to circumvent cap rules involving Daktronics, the video board manufacturer for the Clippers. While the Raptors and Clippers still expect the June trade agreement to eventually finalize, the process remains stalled with training camp approaching. Leonard has reportedly sent a strong signal to Toronto regarding the situation while the league determines if he will move or stay in Los Angeles.
What changed
Reports emerged of a second alleged cap circumvention deal involving the Clippers' video board manufacturer, Daktronics.
Live updates
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NBA Salary Cap Probe Expands With Alleged Leonard Deal with Daktronics
The Toronto Raptors continue to wait for Kawhi Leonard as an NBA investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers' salary cap practices expands. New reports suggest Leonard had a second deal to circumvent cap rules involving Daktronics, the video board manufacturer for the Clippers. While the Raptors and Clippers still expect the June trade agreement to eventually finalize, the process remains stalled with training camp approaching. Leonard has reportedly sent a strong signal to Toronto regarding the situation while the league determines if he will move or stay in Los Angeles.
Why it matters
The NBA is investigating whether the Clippers bypassed salary limits to secure Leonard. This probe could last until 2027 and dictates whether the trade to Toronto is permitted. The outcome affects the rosters of both franchises and the standing of Clippers owner Steve Ballmer.
What is confirmed
- The NBA investigation into the Clippers' salary cap practices is ongoing.
- A trade agreement between the Raptors and Clippers for Kawhi Leonard remains unfinalized.
Still unconfirmed
- Kawhi Leonard sent a strong signal to the Raptors regarding the stalled trade.
What to watch next
- NBA ruling on the Daktronics deal
- Final determination on the Leonard trade legality
- Official start of NBA training camp
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (9)
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NBA Investigation Halts Kawhi Leonard Trade to Raptors
The Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors reached an agreement in June to trade Kawhi Leonard, but the deal remains unfinalized. The trade has been on hold for one month as the NBA investigates whether the Clippers circumvented salary cap rules to secure Leonard. While the two teams still expect the transaction to go through, the league probe is extensive and could potentially last until 2027. The outcome of this investigation determines if Leonard moves to Toronto or remains with the Clippers.
Why it matters
The trade involves Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick moving to Los Angeles. A salary cap violation would result in league penalties and could void the agreement. The timeline of the probe creates significant roster uncertainty for both franchises.
What is confirmed
- The Clippers and Raptors agreed to a trade for Kawhi Leonard in June.
- An NBA investigation into salary cap circumvention has kept the trade on hold for one month.
- The league investigation could potentially extend until 2027.
Still unconfirmed
- Dillon Brooks told streamer Neon that the Kawhi Leonard trade to the Raptors will not happen.
- The Clippers and Raptors expect to eventually finalize the trade despite the investigation.
What to watch next
- Official NBA ruling on the salary cap circumvention probe
- Final confirmation or cancellation of the Leonard trade
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
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- www.cbssports.com — As the Kawhi Leonard investigation drags on, it's time to wonder if his trade to the Raptors will fall apart
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- uk.sports.yahoo.com — Dillon Brooks tells streamer 'Neon' that Kawhi Leonard trade to Raptors won't happen
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- www.thetechedvocate.org — The Kawhi Leonard Salary Cap Scandal: Why This Mess Could Haunt the NBA Until 2027
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NBA Investigation Delays Kawhi Leonard Trade to Raptors
The Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers have agreed to a trade for Kawhi Leonard involving Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick. The deal is on hold pending an NBA investigation into possible salary cap circumvention. The probe could potentially last until 2027.
What's confirmed:
- The Raptors and Clippers agreed to a trade involving Kawhi Leonard, Brandon Ingram, and Gradey Dick.
- The NBA is investigating the Los Angeles Clippers for possible salary cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard.
- The investigation into the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard could extend into 2027.
Still unconfirmed:
- The investigation began in September 2025 and is led by law firm Wachtell Lipton.
- The Raptors agreed to acquire Leonard on July 31.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (7)
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- Kawhi Leonard-Raptors Trade Could Remain in Limbo Until 2027
- NBA investigation into Clippers, Kawhi Leonard circumvention of salary cap could drag into 2027
- The Clippers remain adamant that they did not funnel …
- Report: Kawhi Leonard investigation could extend into 2027
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Raptors Agree to Acquire Kawhi Leonard from Clippers
The Toronto Raptors have reached an agreement to trade for Kawhi Leonard. The deal sends Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick to Los Angeles along with several draft assets. This move reunites the Raptors with the former Finals MVP.
What's confirmed:
- The Clippers agreed to trade Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first-round pick swap and two second-round picks.
- Toronto is acquiring the 2-time Finals MVP in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and future Draft picks.
Still unconfirmed:
- The Raptors wanted to be "opportunistic" and "nostalgic" on the trade market.
- The Mavericks and Clippers discussed a trade for Kawhi Leonard.
- The Mavericks and Clippers discussed Klay Thompson in trade talks.
- The Pistons are out on a trade for Kawhi Leonard.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (14)
- The Raptors want to be "opportunistic" on the trade market ... and maybe even nostalgic
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- Clippers and Raptors discuss Kawhi Leonard trade